Senior briefs: Memory screening to be offered

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging will offer free and confidential 15-minute memory screenings for interested Ventura County residents beginning Oct. 26.

In conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the agency is dedicating resources to provide assistance in early detection of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease.

Individuals who should be screened include those whose family members and friends have noticed changes in memory, mood or behavior; those who believe they are at risk of Alzheimer’s disease due to family history; those who wish to establish a ”starting point” for comparison of memory function in the future; and any individual concerned about dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other health care professional.

Screenings are by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, call 477-7300.

Center to host classes, movie

CAMARILLO - The Pleasant Valley Senior Center will host a variety of events at 1605 E. Burnley St.

Here's a look at what's planned:

The monthly Lunch and Movie event will begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 3. The movie will be “I’ll See You in My Dreams." Lunch is $5. Reservations and payment are required by Oct. 31. For more information or reservations, call 482-4881.

An interactive workshop titled "Alzheimer's Association Know the 10 Signs — Early Detection Matters" will be offered from 1-3 p.m. Thursday. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future.

A free Halloween dance will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the community center auditorium. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume. Live music will be provided by the Seniors of Note band.

Pair of programs to focus on pain

CAMARILLO - The Camarillo Health Care District has two upcoming offerings focused on pain.

The district will offer a six-week chronic pain self-management program from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays from Oct. 26 through Nov. 30. The program will be an evidence-based series designed to teach people with chronic pain practical skills to better manage symptoms and provide motivation to overcome challenges of daily living. The program is for adults living with ongoing pain resulting from an accident or illness. Cost is $40 for Camarillo/Somis residents or $44 for others.

Also, UCLA pain specialist Dr. Najmeh Sadoughi will lead a free “Lower Back Pain: Truths & Myths” class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Sadoughi will focus on causes and treatments of low-back pain and identify the types of cases that need immediate medical attention.

Both programs will meet at 3639 E. Las Posas Road, E-117.

To register for either program, call 388-1952, ext 100.

Seniors can get driving refresher

MOORPARK — An AARP Smart Driver Program refresher course will be offered from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 and 10 at the Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave.

The two-day, 4½-hour class is designed to help individuals tune up their driving skills, update their knowledge of the rules of the road, learn how to adjust driving for age-related physical changes and learn how to drive more safely.

Qualified course graduates age 50 and older may qualify for a discount on auto insurance premiums.

Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. Call 517-6261 for reservations.

Seminar to cover mindfulness, money

The seminar, led by certified financial planner Paul Norr, will help build the case that smart financial management includes smart mental management. Norr will explore well-documented ways in which attitudes, perceptions and emotions may cloud smart rational decisions and affect financial management. He will introduce the concept of mindfulness, show how it can apply to money behavior and provide participatory exercises.

Light refreshments will be served. A donation of $10 is requested to cover the cost of program materials. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 497-0189.

Type 2 diabetes will be discussed

The class introduces basic information about Type 2 diabetes with emphasis on the development of an individual plan of care that includes diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. New developments in diabetes and common management problems will also be addressed. No registration is necessary. For more information, call 797-7699.

Brain exercise to be offered

VENTURA — The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is hosting weekly Brain Gym classes for seniors age 55 and older from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays from next week through Nov. 15.

Brain Gym is a program of physical movements that enhance learning and performance by developing the brain’s neural pathways. Brain Gym will increase the ability to remember and be organized, increase physical coordination, reduce stress and improve memory.

The center is at 6633 Telephone Road. Cost is $20 for four classes. Space is limited. To register, call 658-0365.

Breast cancer care to be reviewed

Dr. Melody Benjamin, who specializes in hematology and oncology for UCLA Health, is a firm believer in exploring the biology of cancer to find new approaches to care. She will share her insights on cancer prevention, inclusive of reducing the risk of recurrence.